Chapter 3

I spent the whole next day in the kitchen, not even having time to rest.

I had just finished making dinner when Dominic barged in, grabbing my collar. "Jemima, I thought you were merely acting out of spite. I didn't know you would be so cruel! How dare you poison Nina's food? You're completely out of line!"

Realization dawned on me immediately. Dominic believed whatever Nina said, just as in my past life.

When she claimed I had nearly caused her to miscarry, Dominic had my entire family thrown in prison. When she wanted to become his wife, Dominic used my family's lives as leverage to threaten me.

I felt a pang in my heart, and I fought to conceal it.

"Emma was with me the entire time. How could I possibly do that without her knowing?"

The housekeeper, Emma Dunn, moved forward. "General Stone, Mrs. Stone's behavior was indeed a little suspicious. But I simply can't believe she would poison her. General Stone, please have her searched."

Dominic nodded, and Emma immediately patted me down.

A packet of powder dropped from my sleeve, and Emma grabbed it, her voice turning shrill. "What is this?"

Dominic stared at the packet. The disdain in his eyes gave way to a deeper rage. "Jemima, how are you going to explain this?"

I stared at the so‑called evidence and let out a bitter laugh. He trusted me so little that he didn’t even check before pointing the finger.

I breathed, "It slipped out of her sleeve. It's obvious she was acting under someone's orders. You…"

Disappointment was evident on Dominic's face. "Someone's orders? Are you implying that Nina is behind this?"

Just then, Nina walked in, supported by two maids. Despite looking near death herself, she still knelt and begged for mercy on my behalf. "I trust Jemima. Dominic, you should investigate other people."

The moment her words landed, she coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Dominic immediately swept her up and snarled at me. "Even now, she's still protecting you. As the lady of the household, how can you be so petty? Guards, lock her up in the dungeon so she can reflect on her mistake!"

I retreated instinctively, slamming my back against the pillar. "No! I'm not going there! Dominic, you know I'm afraid of the dark!"

We first met when he rescued me from a burning building. Ever since then, I had been haunted by a fear of darkness and fire—something he was well aware of.

The mere thought of that pitch-black place made me tremble uncontrollably. I begged, "Please… I know I was wrong. I'll apologize to her, but I really didn't poison her!"

But Dominic remained unfazed.

The guards tried to drag me away, and I immediately fell to my knees. "Please don't imprison me there! Dominic, I'm preg…"

Dominic kicked me aside and hurried away with Nina in his arms, not even bothering to let me finish my sentence.

I felt a sharp jolt of pain in my stomach that sent cold sweats down my back.

When I came to, I was already in the dungeon. Every sound around me was amplified, and memories of the past nearly sent me into a breakdown.

"No… Let me out, Dominic! I was wrong… I know I was wrong!" I repeated this over and over, still hoping that—just like last time—he would rush in, pull me into his arms, and tell me not to be afraid.

But after a long wait, Nina appeared, carrying a torch.

I instinctively backed away from the flames, but Nina only smiled, her gaze fixed on my belly. "Even though Dominic didn't hear just now, I did. You're pregnant, aren't you?"

I shielded my belly as Nina's smile grew more sinister. "I won't allow your baby to come into this world safely."

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps rang out from outside.

I had barely stood up when Nina suddenly slapped herself and collapsed to the ground. She said, "I just wanted to let you out. Why did you hit me, Jemima?"

"Nina!" Dominic ran over and helped her up.

Desperate for a chance to explain myself, I immediately stepped forward. "It's not what you think. She…"

Dominic shook me off, and I stumbled into the corner. I crouched on the ground; the ache in my lower abdomen left me unable to utter another word.

He lifted Nina into his arms and looked down at me. "You're still unrepentant! The dungeon is too dark and cold. Bring some firewood for Mrs. Stone to ward off the chill."

"No…" My voice was weak, and I soon passed out.

They were both gone by the time I came to. My throat was filled with thick smoke, which caused me to cough until tears ran down my cheeks. The sharp ache in my lower abdomen suddenly intensified, plunging me into sheer panic.

"I'll protect you. I promise…" Yet, blood kept flowing from beneath me, pooling on the floor.

I had no idea how much time had passed before the door to the dungeon opened. I staggered out, cradling my dead child in my arms. It wasn't until daylight broke that my senses gradually returned.

When I saw that my baby still hadn't survived this time, I broke down all over again. "I'm so sorry…"

I dug a grave and buried my child. I had just finished placing a small gravestone when Devin came rushing over.

"I knew you were behind this! Poisoning Nina wasn't enough, so you used witchcraft to harm her!"